Jane Greenhalgh successfully avoids a verdict of Unlawful Killing at an Inquest into the death of a woman who consumed undiluted vinegar to bring about an abortion

Jane Greenhalgh represented Dawn Chadwick at the Inquest into the death of Catherine Furey at Manchester Coroners’ Court on March 5th 2014. Mrs Furey died on 1st December 2010 following her consumption of undiluted vinegar after having researched home abortions on the Internet. Dawn Chadwick had previously been charged with her Manslaughter at Manchester Crown Court but the Prosecution had offered no evidence on the first day of trial, having been persuaded by submissions made by the Defence team, including Jane Greenhalgh, as to Ms Chadwick’s learning difficulties.

The Coroner, Nigel Meadows, had subsequently indicated that he was considering the possibility of a verdict of Unlawful Killing in relation to Ms Chadwick’s role in the death. Having considered legal submissions from Jane Greenhalgh he agreed not to pursue this course and therefore Ms Chadwick was not at risk of being tried again under the ‘Double Jeopardy’ provisions.

Alex Preston, a leading specialist in the fields of Inquests and Criminal Law from Olliers Solicitors, instructed Jane and praised her for her “excellent submissions which changed the course of a very tragic and difficult case”.